by Sound Vision staff writer

I never considered a non-Arab equal to me,' a sister once remarked.
I know it's wrong, but in the place I grew up in, that was how we
grew up thinking.' She had grown up in a country considered "Islamic".

Islam is the most anti-racist and anti-prejudicial way of life. Islamic history testifies to the openness Muslims have shown towards people of different cultures and religions. Within their own ranks, sincere and practicing Muslims have always kept their hearts and minds open to their brethren, no matter what their background.

Yet, there is a problem in the Ummah today. Prejudices are not the problems of others. They have become the very sad reality amongst a number of Muslims as well.

This is not just on the level of small minority Muslim communities in non-Muslim lands. It is also a problem in "Islamic" countries as well. Years of nationalism in theory and practice have diminished the powerful universality Muslims cherished in their societies.

First the bad news

Laws and customs

There are a number of countries in the Muslim world, in which racism and prejudice are in full swing and justified by laws or social customs. These seek to exclude and shun on the basis of ethnicity and in some cases, race.

For instance, in certain countries, it is not permissible for children to study at a post-secondary level, even if their parents have been living or working in the country for a number of years. This is usually because of their national origin.

In other countries, discrimination is used to exclude those who are not the original inhabitants of the land from citizenship.

Discrimination extends to the field of employment as well. In some "Islamic" countries, workers of one national origin are paid less than others although they may excel in their skills, education, and experience. It has been noted that a white or black person carrying an American passport gets better pay than a person of Asian origin carrying the same passport.

Written and unwritten laws in some Arab countries prohibit Arab women from marrying a non-Arab.

Attitudes and words

The discrimination is not reserved to laws though. It's not difficult to hear an uncommon racial epithet used among some Muslims, ignorant or negligent of the Quran and Sunnah's condemnation of backbiting, slander and mockery.

Marriage

We know the Prophet married women across ethnic lines, and therefore, in Islam, there is no ethnic bar to marriage. He also made it very clear, in his last Khutba, that superiority in Islam is not based on blackness, whiteness, Arabness or the lack of it.

Contrast this with, for instance, the Hindu caste system, under which inter-caste marriage is prohibited.

Sadly, such Hindu notions still influence a number of ignorant Muslims in South Asia who will not, for instance, marry outside if they are Syed (claim lineage to the Prophet), Shaikh (a business community) or across tribal lines if they come from the "Khans," "Moghuls" or "Jats".

While some Muslims may justify this as simply a measure to ensure compatibility between husband and wife, it is Islamically incorrect to discriminate upright Muslims on this basis.

The Masjid or Islamic center

There have been some isolated cases in which Muslims who have felt so excluded at specific mosques called anti-discrimination hotlines to complain.

Alhamdu lillah, all Masjids are open to all people and no Masjid has racial policies. However, racially divided neighborhoods result in an ethnically dominant Masjid type. Usually, negative attitudes of some and language specific Masjid programs cause miscommunication. This is because some people want to make sure their mother tongue survives in America.

...and the good news

The prayer: a lesson in Muslim unity

Five times a day, every day, Muslims of every cultural and ethnic background stand shoulder to shoulder. There is no issue of who stands where based on their color or ethnicity.

On a larger level, to remember that millions of Muslims, everywhere of all shapes, colors, sizes, countries, etc. all face the same place to pray, five times a day, is incredible. Yet this lesson not just in Muslim unity, but in ethno-national harmony, is usually overlooked.

The mosque: open to all despite problems

Alhamdu lillah, one problem Muslims do not have is membership-exclusive mosques. Any Muslim can pray in any mosque. While those individual Muslims with racism and prejudice in their hearts and minds may not treat them well, they will not exclude them physically from attending or praying in any mosque, anywhere.

A brother from the United Kingdom who converted to Islam once mentioned how on a trip to apartheid-era South Africa, while he found black and white churches, he did not encounter black and non-black mosques. That made him start thinking about this curious phenomenon, and he eventually accepted Islam.

Muslims united in pain

With the latest headlines focused on Chechnya, Muslims in America and abroad have generously donated to help their oppressed brothers and sisters there.

There is a keen understanding amongst many Muslims that when it comes to oppression, it doesn't matter if you're a black Muslim, a white Muslim, a Kosovar Muslim, a Chechen Muslim, a Kashmiri Muslim or a Somali Muslim, you are suffering.

Imams often make Dua for oppressed Muslims they have never met, no matter what their skin color. Muslims pray along in sympathy and support.

Here is another clear example of Muslim unity. All we need to do is now pray and help all human beings who are suffering whether Muslim or not.

Muslim American leaders are diverse

Can you name the top four speakers and leaders amongst Muslims in America today?

If you can, you'll realize that all four are of different racial and linguistic backgrounds. They are invited to Muslim gatherings regularly, no matter what the ethnic background of the audience.

This shows that a Muslim leader is respected for his knowledge and commitment to the Deen by most Muslims, not his background.

Marriage: the litmus test

All that said though, the real test of openness to other cultures is marriage. Islam and a growing number of Muslims pass there with flying colors.

As mentioned above, we know the Prophet married women across ethnic lines. Muslims, whether in the Muslim world or in North America, are following his example more often today.

So you'll find an African or Caucasian-American convert married to an Arab, Indo-Pakistani or Malaysian; you'll find an Indian married to a Palestinian; you'll find a Kashmiri married to an Arab-American, and on and on.

There is a keen and growing understanding amongst a number of Muslims, in line with Islam, that what unites hearts and people is Islam, not skin color, ethnicity or territory.

Sincerity, knowledge, forgiveness are the cure

Curing the disease of racism takes time. It also takes humility, sincerity and requires seeking out the right guidance. It means admitting we were or are wrong, sincerely repenting and making a concrete effort to change.

While the planet's approximately 1.2 billion Muslims do have their share of problems with each other, Alhamdu lillah, we still have the tools to eradicate the cancer of racism and prejudice in our midst. Let's begin the process with ourselves, and then help them Ummah do the same.

God, New York -
wrote on 5/2/2011 3:11:36 PM
Rating: Comment: Dear http://www.businessreputationdefense.com/facebook2.html
http://www.soundvision.com/info/racism/amongmuslims.asp
has slandered my name when i asked them to remove my comments that hinder me finding work (due to bias against my post/family's religion)
I have emailed them numerous times at info@soundvision.com to remove my comments to no avail. They only care about themselves.
Thanks!
Michael

God, New York -
wrote on 5/2/2011 3:11:02 PM
Rating: Comment: Dear http://www.businessreputationdefense.com/facebook2.html
http://www.soundvision.com/info/racism/amongmuslims.asp
has slandered my name when i asked them to remove my comments that hinder me finding work (due to bias against my post/family's religion)
I have emailed them numerous times at info@soundvision.com to remove my comments to no avail. They only care about themselves.
Thanks!
Michael

Allah, Mecca -
wrote on 4/18/2011 3:10:26 PM
Rating: Comment: See how easy it is to remove your comments?
Remove mine (Mike's) ir face my wrath further faggots.....
Read your emails and why I want to be off ya board, you are selfishly fucking up my chances in this world of no jobs just to have fake comments of islamic persecution.
I got ya web name in a book of bastards soon to come out.
watchout!!

Allah, Mecca -
wrote on 4/18/2011 3:09:44 PM
Rating: Comment: See how easy it is to remove your comments?
Remove mine (Mike's) ir face my wrat further faggots.....
Read your emails and why I want to be off ya board, you are selfishly fucking up my chances in this world of no jobs just to have fake comments of islamic persecution.
I got ya web name in a book of bastards soon to come out.
watchout!!

Allah, Mecca -
wrote on 4/18/2011 3:09:21 PM
Rating: Comment: See how easy it is to remove your comments?
Remove mine (Mike's) ir face my wrat further faggots.....
Read your emails and why I want to be off ya board, you are selfishly fucking up my chances in this world of no jobs just to have fake comments of islamic persecution.
I got ya web name in a book of bastards soon to come out.
watchout!!

Michael Armstrong-Grimes, London -
wrote on 10/18/2010 7:57:32 AM
Rating: Comment: OLLY LAMBERT AND CHANNEL 4, YOU BIGOTS!
THE ADMIN ON THIS TEAM ARE JUST PICKING RANDOM NAMES AND FAKE SCENARIOS...THIS IS NOT ME!!!
THE REAL MICHAEL ARMSTRONG-GRIMES OF HACKNEY LONDON!!!
IGNORE THESE RELIGIOUS FANATICS WEBSITE QUOTING ME SAYING SUCH CRAP AS-
Michael Armstrong-Grimes, Hackney, London - wrote on 3/29/2010 9:29:13 AM
Rating:
Comment: I was on a bus 242 in Hackney last week and the bus driver asked if I had a bomb in the box I carried onboard. My family is NigeriaN, I look Muslim and wear a Kufi and have a full beard on my face without any pretty shaving. My Mum was born Muslim, is now a christian. I am of no strict religious faith having tried it all, even 5% Nation of Islam and Farrakan's Nation of Islam when I was in America. I prefer to look and dress looking like my Mum's side of the family. Does that mean I should be shot on sight the next time London goes code red for terrorist threats? Are all Muslims to be considered bomb carriers? I even sent the following to Insted: My mother was born muslim but is now a christian. I am of no religioous faith but dress/look Islamic. I wear a Kufi and have a full unshaven beard. Due to my look and being African/Black I was asked by a bus driver on bus 242 in Hackney while getting on board with a box of turntables for record playing if I had a bomb in the box. This at the time caught me off guard but now I'm upset Muslims and myself may be targetted as suspected terrorists especially as Russia has now had its own taste of extremism. Can you please advise me on how to deal with this? I have just complained to London Transport today. It's taken me over a week to digest the incident. I also have just watched 'Shoot on sight', a movie based on the innocent man shot in Stockwell. Many thanks for your help and time. Lordy lord! London is going mad and this needs to be addressed, this is harassment being asked stupid questions like "Are you carrying a bomb" and it will do nothing for Islams self esteem in Limey land.
I WILL SUE YOU MUSLIMS...YOU KNOW WHY!

Michael Grimes, London -
wrote on 10/18/2010 7:55:31 AM
Rating: Comment: OLLY LAMBERT AND CHANNEL 4, YOU BIGOTS!
THE ADMIN ON THIS TEAM ARE JUST PICKING RANDOM NAMES AND FAKE SCENARIOS...THIS IS NOT ME!!!
THE REAL MICHAEL ARMSTRONG-GRIMES OF HACKNEY LONDON!!!
IGNORE THESE RELIGIOUS FANATICS WEBSITE QUOTING ME SAYING SUCH CRAP AS-
Michael Armstrong-Grimes, Hackney, London - wrote on 3/29/2010 9:29:13 AM
Rating:
Comment: I was on a bus 242 in Hackney last week and the bus driver asked if I had a bomb in the box I carried onboard. My family is NigeriaN, I look Muslim and wear a Kufi and have a full beard on my face without any pretty shaving. My Mum was born Muslim, is now a christian. I am of no strict religious faith having tried it all, even 5% Nation of Islam and Farrakan's Nation of Islam when I was in America. I prefer to look and dress looking like my Mum's side of the family. Does that mean I should be shot on sight the next time London goes code red for terrorist threats? Are all Muslims to be considered bomb carriers? I even sent the following to Insted: My mother was born muslim but is now a christian. I am of no religioous faith but dress/look Islamic. I wear a Kufi and have a full unshaven beard. Due to my look and being African/Black I was asked by a bus driver on bus 242 in Hackney while getting on board with a box of turntables for record playing if I had a bomb in the box. This at the time caught me off guard but now I'm upset Muslims and myself may be targetted as suspected terrorists especially as Russia has now had its own taste of extremism. Can you please advise me on how to deal with this? I have just complained to London Transport today. It's taken me over a week to digest the incident. I also have just watched 'Shoot on sight', a movie based on the innocent man shot in Stockwell. Many thanks for your help and time. Lordy lord! London is going mad and this needs to be addressed, this is harassment being asked stupid questions like "Are you carrying a bomb" and it will do nothing for Islams self esteem in Limey land.
I WILL SUE YOU MUSLIMS...YOU KNOW WHY!

Michael Grimes, London -
wrote on 10/18/2010 7:55:09 AM
Rating: Comment: OLLY LAMBERT AND CHANNEL 4, YOU BIGOTS!
THE ADMIN ON THIS TEAM ARE JUST PICKING RANDOM NAMES AND FAKE SCENARIOS...THIS IS NOT ME!!!
THE REAL MICHAEL ARMSTRONG-GRIMES OF HACKNEY LONDON!!!
IGNORE THESE RELIGIOUS FANATICS WEBSITE QUOTING ME SAYING SUCH CRAP AS-
Michael Armstrong-Grimes, Hackney, London - wrote on 3/29/2010 9:29:13 AM
Rating:
Comment: I was on a bus 242 in Hackney last week and the bus driver asked if I had a bomb in the box I carried onboard. My family is NigeriaN, I look Muslim and wear a Kufi and have a full beard on my face without any pretty shaving. My Mum was born Muslim, is now a christian. I am of no strict religious faith having tried it all, even 5% Nation of Islam and Farrakan's Nation of Islam when I was in America. I prefer to look and dress looking like my Mum's side of the family. Does that mean I should be shot on sight the next time London goes code red for terrorist threats? Are all Muslims to be considered bomb carriers? I even sent the following to Insted: My mother was born muslim but is now a christian. I am of no religioous faith but dress/look Islamic. I wear a Kufi and have a full unshaven beard. Due to my look and being African/Black I was asked by a bus driver on bus 242 in Hackney while getting on board with a box of turntables for record playing if I had a bomb in the box. This at the time caught me off guard but now I'm upset Muslims and myself may be targetted as suspected terrorists especially as Russia has now had its own taste of extremism. Can you please advise me on how to deal with this? I have just complained to London Transport today. It's taken me over a week to digest the incident. I also have just watched 'Shoot on sight', a movie based on the innocent man shot in Stockwell. Many thanks for your help and time. Lordy lord! London is going mad and this needs to be addressed, this is harassment being asked stupid questions like "Are you carrying a bomb" and it will do nothing for Islams self esteem in Limey land.
I WILL SUE YOU MUSLIMS...YOU KNOW WHY!

Michael Grimes, London -
wrote on 10/18/2010 7:54:32 AM
Rating: Comment: OLLY LAMBERT AND CHANNEL 4, YOU CUNTS!
THE ADMIN ON THIS TEAM ARE JUST PICKING RANDOM NAMES AND FAKE SCENARIOS...THIS IS NOT ME!!!
THE REAL MICHAEL ARMSTRONG-GRIMES OF HACKNEY LONDON!!!
IGNORE THESE RELIGIOUS FANATICS WEBSITE QUOTING ME SAYING SUCH CRAP AS-
Michael Armstrong-Grimes, Hackney, London - wrote on 3/29/2010 9:29:13 AM
Rating:
Comment: I was on a bus 242 in Hackney last week and the bus driver asked if I had a bomb in the box I carried onboard. My family is NigeriaN, I look Muslim and wear a Kufi and have a full beard on my face without any pretty shaving. My Mum was born Muslim, is now a christian. I am of no strict religious faith having tried it all, even 5% Nation of Islam and Farrakan's Nation of Islam when I was in America. I prefer to look and dress looking like my Mum's side of the family. Does that mean I should be shot on sight the next time London goes code red for terrorist threats? Are all Muslims to be considered bomb carriers? I even sent the following to Insted: My mother was born muslim but is now a christian. I am of no religioous faith but dress/look Islamic. I wear a Kufi and have a full unshaven beard. Due to my look and being African/Black I was asked by a bus driver on bus 242 in Hackney while getting on board with a box of turntables for record playing if I had a bomb in the box. This at the time caught me off guard but now I'm upset Muslims and myself may be targetted as suspected terrorists especially as Russia has now had its own taste of extremism. Can you please advise me on how to deal with this? I have just complained to London Transport today. It's taken me over a week to digest the incident. I also have just watched 'Shoot on sight', a movie based on the innocent man shot in Stockwell. Many thanks for your help and time. Lordy lord! London is going mad and this needs to be addressed, this is harassment being asked stupid questions like "Are you carrying a bomb" and it will do nothing for Islams self esteem in Limey land.
I WILL SUE YOU MUSLIMS...YOU KNOW WHY!